Overview of Decatur

Though the population of Decatur is less than 20,000, the city has a much larger feel due to its close proximity to Atlanta. Despite experiencing tough times during the 1960's and 70's, Decatur has since regained economic vigor. Several long-term plans to develop downtown have turned Decatur into a trendy suburb with easy transit to the big city. Decatur citizens have a reputation for their progressiveness and active involvement within their city. With the motto, "A city of homes, schools and places of worship," Decatur is an ideal place to live if you want to work and play in a big city, but live and relax in a small town.

Living in Decatur, GA

Decatur was founded in 1822 at the crossroads of two Native American trails, but established itself as a cozy town in the 1830s, when it refused an offer from Western and Atlantic Railroad to become the last stop on its line. Citizens at the time did not want the pollution or population boom that would have come with the railway, which means residents today can enjoy the peaceful living of Decatur while still being within close proximity to the place that did end up with that railroad stop: Atlanta. With the percentage of its citizens who have at least a bachelor's degree nearly double that of the state average, Decatur prides itself on its forward-thinking government and citizens. Because of this, the city's population has steadily grown over the past twenty years, while still remaining solidly grounded in its provincial history.

In one of Decatur's nineteen distinct neighborhoods, you are bound to find a style of rental home or apartment you love at the price point you desire. Whether it's the historic single family estates of Winnona Park, the brick Cape Cod style homes of Midway Woods or the more modest craftsman bungalows of Oakhurst, Decatur's architectural diversity will make finding a rental a piece of cake.

Decatur Work & Study

Located just seven miles outside of Downtown Atlanta, Decatur is an excellent place to live if you are employed in the state's capitol. Though only about a twenty minute drive, the speed and convenience of the MARTA transportation system can cut a morning commute to less than fifteen minutes - just enough time to check the week's news in The Champion, DeKalb county's local paper. If you decide even more local employment is more appropriate to your tastes, DeKalb County's Chamber or Commerce claims a membership of nearly 700 local businesses. Either way, Decatur apartments and home rentals are a smart choice.

For its small size, it is surprising that Decatur is home to two nationally ranked universities and a third Presbyterian seminary. Emory University, located just outside of Decatur in unincorporated DeKalb County, is consistently ranked in the top 20 U.S. universities. The smaller Agnes Scott College, whose campus is within the city's limits, is considered the top women's college in the southeast. Both campuses are working toward complete sustainability and have taken deliberate measures to reduce their impacts on the environment. Columbia Theological Seminary, also located in Decatur, offers Master's and Doctorate degrees in theology and ministry. But wherever you are attending school, it is Decatur apartments and homes are affordable and nearby.

Decatur Cost of Living

Although Decatur boasts a per capita income about 15% higher than the state's average, its residents experience a high standard of living in more places than just their pocketbooks. And despite the cost of living being higher than the national average, the percentage of citizens living below poverty level is much lower. The affordability of Decatur rentals, with an average one-bedroom costing $750 and a two-bedroom only $850 per month, may be a contributing factor to the comfortable life Decatur residents enjoy.

Decatur Attractions & Entertainment

Decatur is lucky to house a host of historical buildings, each telling its own story of the history of the region and the country. Ranked among one of the country's most beautiful campuses, Agnes Scott College is a perfect site to take a stroll or have a picnic. For lovers of space, the college's Bradley Observatory is home to several telescopes and a 70-seat planetarium. If your interests rest closer to home, the High House is believed to be the first two-story building in the city, and the nearby Old DeKalb County Courthouse contains a small history museum. For art, shopping and dining, Oakhurst Village is a haven for small town commerce. No matter where your in Decatur rental resides, with an area of only 4.2 square miles, you're never too far from any attraction.

Decatur Special Events

You'll never be wanting for neighborhood events when living in Decatur. Regardless of your interests, as the city's website boasts, "There's a festival for that!" With nearly sixty unique events taking place throughout the year, citizens of Decatur can head into Atlanta for fun but certainly don't have to. Jazz and arts festivals, wine crawls and even breakfast with Santa are just a few of the many special events that fill the calendars of Decatur residents.

So if you love the big city but can't stand to live there, Decatur is the place for comfortable, affordable rental homes and apartments. Come discover how Rent.com® can help you easily find the rental apartment or home that fits your needs.

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